What age is PURPLE crying?

PURPLE crying refers to a normal period of increased crying in infants that peaks at around 2 months of age. It is an acronym that stands for:

Peak of crying – crying peaks around 2 months
Unexpected – crying comes and goes unexpectedly, for no apparent reason

Resists soothing – crying may continue despite caregiver’s best efforts to soothe
Pain-like face – infants may appear to be in distress/pain even if they are not
Long lasting – may last up to 5 hours per day, peaking at 6-8 weeks

Evening crying – crying may be more intense in late afternoon/evening

PURPLE crying is a normal developmental stage that most infants go through at around 2 months of age. It does not indicate that anything is wrong with the baby. However, it can be stressful and concerning for parents if they are not aware that it is normal and temporary.

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When Does PURPLE Crying Start?

PURPLE crying typically starts between 2-4 weeks of age, builds to a peak around 6-8 weeks, and starts to subside around 3-4 months.

The peak of PURPLE crying is around 6-8 weeks of age. This is when babies tend to cry the most – often up to 5 hours per day with periods of inconsolable crying. After this peak, the amount of crying slowly decreases until around 3-4 months when it returns to more normal levels.

So in summary:

Starts: 2-4 weeks

Peaks: 6-8 weeks
Ends: 3-4 months

The timing may vary slightly between babies but this pattern generally holds true. If crying starts earlier or persists significantly past 4 months, there may be another cause that needs to be addressed. Otherwise, it is likely just PURPLE crying.

Why Does PURPLE Crying Peak at 6-8 Weeks?

There are a few reasons why PURPLE crying tends to peak around 6-8 weeks of age:

Developmental changes – At 6-8 weeks, babies are more alert and aware of their surroundings. This overstimulation can contribute to fussiness.
Immature nervous system – A baby’s nervous system is still developing. They may have trouble regulating emotions, causing crying spells.

Communication – Crying is a newborn’s main way to communicate needs. They have not developed other ways to express themselves yet.
Growth spurts – Growth spurts around 6-8 weeks can cause temporary fussiness.
Digestive issues – Digestive system is still maturing, resulting in gas pain, reflux, constipation.

Sleep cycles changing – Around 6-8 weeks, sleep cycles start to shift from the newborn phase. These changes can temporarily disrupt sleep.

The culmination of all these changes happening at once around 6-8 weeks of age is what causes PURPLE crying to peak. Babies do not have the coping skills yet to handle this barrage of stimulation, growth and development. While unsettling for parents, it is just a phase that infants work through as their regulatory systems mature.

Is PURPLE Crying Normal?

Yes, PURPLE crying is completely normal and does not indicate that anything is wrong with the baby. It simply reflects the baby going through rapid developmental changes.

Studies estimate that PURPLE crying affects approximately 80-90% of infants worldwide. All healthy babies go through fussy periods as part of their development.

While stressful for parents, there are no long-term harms associated with PURPLE crying as long as the baby’s basic needs are met during this time. It does not cause any psychological or developmental issues later.

Some signs that PURPLE crying is normal include:

Starts around 2-4 weeks and peaks around 6-8 weeks
Crying may come and go unpredictably
Baby may cry up to 5 hours per day

Crying is worse in evening
Baby resists soothing techniques
Baby appears to be in pain but is not

Crying tapers off around 12-16 weeks
Baby is meeting developmental milestones
Doctor has ruled out any medical issues

As long as these signs are present, parents can be assured that PURPLE crying is normal and will pass. Talk to a doctor if concerned.

What to Do for a Baby Going Through PURPLE Crying

PURPLE crying can be distressing, but there are some strategies parents can use to get through this period:

Take breaks – safely place baby in crib and step away when needed

White noise/swaddle/pacifier – these tricks may help soothe some babies
Baby carriers/strollers/car rides – motion may help calm baby
Ask for help – have partner, friends, family assist in caring for baby

Focus on self-care – sleep, eat well, lower standards around house, practice self-compassion
Check for underlying needs – hunger, diaper change, etc. even if unlikely to be the cause
Avoid overstimulation – lower lighting, decrease noise, simplify environment

Have patience and remember “this too shall pass”

If no amount of soothing helps, it’s okay to just be present with baby until the crying spell passes. The important thing is ensuring baby’s basic needs are met during this time. Stay calm, take breaks when needed, and know that this peak crying phase will pass.

When to Seek Help for Excessive Crying

Consult a pediatrician if:

Crying starts before 2 weeks of age
Crying continues past 4 months of age
Baby cries inconsolably more than 3 hours per day

Crying seems to be in pain or agony
Baby has other symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea
Crying stops suddenly or baby becomes lethargic

You are overwhelmed, exhausted, or unable to cope

While PURPLE crying is normal, excessive crying can sometimes indicate issues like reflux, allergies, infection or neurological problems. It’s always best to have baby examined to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Never shake or hurt baby, but do reach out for help if needed. There are support groups and nurse hotlines available for parents struggling with a very fussy baby.

When Does PURPLE Crying End?

PURPLE crying starts to taper off around 3-4 months as babies gain regulatory skills and become more engaged with their environment.

Here is the typical time frame for when to expect PURPLE crying to end:

6-8 weeks – Peak of crying, may cry up to 5 hours/day

10-12 weeks – Crying decreases to 1-2 hours per day
3 months – Crying reduced to less than 1 hour per day
4 months – Crying resolves to more normal sporadic fussiness

Of course, all babies are different. But in most cases you can expect PURPLE crying to significantly diminish between 3-4 months of age as digestive systems mature and babies gain better control of emotions.

If crying continues past 4 months of age, consult a doctor to rule out potential medical problems. But in general, the PURPLE crying peak has passed by 12-16 weeks as regulatory systems develop. Baby is not necessarily “colicky” if still fussy after 4 months – seek medical guidance to determine the cause.

Long-Term Effects of PURPLE Crying

There are no long-term effects associated with PURPLE crying. It does not cause any lasting neurological, physical or psychological harm.

Once the PURPLE crying phase passes and crying returns to more normal sporadic fussiness, studies show:

No differences in attachment security with caregivers compared to babies with less crying.
No differences in sleep quality later on.

No increased risk for developmental or behavioral issues.
No differences in cognitive abilities, intelligence or academics.
No increased risk of issues like ADHD, autism or anxiety disorders.

While stressful in the moment, PURPLE crying is temporary and not harmful long-term. As long as baby’s needs are met during this time, they will develop and thrive just fine. There are no lasting effects once crying levels out around 4 months.

The most important thing is providing comfort, safety and reassurance during the PURPLE crying peak. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends or professionals during this challenging developmental phase!

Should I Let a Baby “Cry It Out” During PURPLE Crying?

No, “crying it out” methods are not appropriate during the PURPLE crying phase. PURPLE crying is an expression of real distress, not manipulation.

Letting a baby cry it out during this developmental stage could damage the infant’s sense of safety and trust. The goal is to provide comfort and emotional regulation.

Instead of leaving baby alone to cry:

Respond promptly to crying spells with comfort techniques.

Check for underlying needs like hunger.
Hold, rock, sing, take for walk.
Use white noise, swaddle, pacifier if helpful.

If inconsolable, stay present until crying ends.

The purple crying period will pass more smoothly if babies feel safe, comforted and secure knowing their needs will be met during distress.

Once PURPLE crying resolves around 4 months, “cry it out” techniques can be considered to help establish sleep patterns. But leaving newborns alone to cry prolongs distress and should be avoided in the first few months of life during developmental transitions like PURPLE crying. Be responsive.

Does PURPLE Crying Indicate Colic?

PURPLE crying and colic overlap significantly but are not exactly the same thing.

Colic is defined as crying more than 3 hours per day, 3 days per week, for at least 3 weeks in an otherwise healthy baby. So colic is essentially a more severe form of normal increased crying in infancy.

PURPLE crying is a broader term referring to predictable increased crying peaking around 2 months, even if not as severe as colic.

The similarities between colic and PURPLE crying are:

Peak at 6-8 weeks of age
Inconsolable crying spells

Worse in the evening
No identifiable cause
Resolves by 3-4 months

The differences are:

Colic – severe crying more than 3 hours/day
PURPLE – increased crying but not necessarily severe colic

So in summary:

Colic is when PURPLE crying is at its most severe
PURPLE crying is present even in milder forms of distress

They often overlap and can be used interchangeably in many cases

If your baby cries over 3 hours per day at their peak, they likely have colic. But PURPLE crying encompasses even less severe fussiness seen in most infants around 2 months.

Does PURPLE Crying Raise SIDS Risk?

No, there is no evidence that PURPLE crying raises the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

SIDS refers to unexplained infant death under one year of age, usually while sleeping. The cause is unknown.

While very upsetting for parents, studies show no link between babies who exhibit PURPLE crying and a higher risk of SIDS. As long as safe sleep practices are followed, PURPLE crying itself does not appear to endanger babies:

Some safe sleep tips to lower SIDS risk:

Alone – no stuffed animals or loose bedding in crib
Back – always place baby on back to sleep
Crib – use safety-approved crib with tight-fitting sheet

No smoke exposure

If these guidelines are followed, studies show no increase in SIDS among babies going through normal PURPLE crying spells compared to other babies.

However, exhaustion from PURPLE crying may cause parents to unintentionally veer from safe sleep practices. So it’s essential that families with fussy babies are educated about SIDS prevention and supported so everyone can get rest.

Does PURPLE Crying Increase Risk of Shaken Baby Syndrome?

PURPLE crying does not directly cause Shaken Baby Syndrome but the associated frustration does increase the risk if parents are not educated and supported.

Shaken Baby Syndrome refers to injuries caused by violently shaking an infant, such as brain damage, skull fractures, and retinal hemorrhages. It is a form of child abuse most often triggered by caregivers’ frustration with a baby’s crying.

Clearly, vigoroulsy shaking a baby is never an appropriate response. But PURPLE crying is a time of peak infant distress when well-meaning parents can become overwhelmed. Without adequate coping strategies, the risk of lashing out in anger is higher.

Some ways to reduce the risk of harm during PURPLE crying:

Education about normal crying patterns so parents know it will pass.
Parent respite care when needed.

Support from family, friends, professionals.
Anger management and coping techniques.
Checking on baby’s basic needs when crying.

Remaining calm and never shaking baby.

With preparation, understanding, support, and self-care, parents can work through PURPLE crying without becoming so frustrated that they resort to shaking. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed but violence is never okay.

Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways about PURPLE crying:

PURPLE crying peaks around 6-8 weeks and subsides by 4 months.
It’s normal due to developmental changes like brain growth and digestion.
Provide comfort during crying spells when possible.

Take breaks when needed as long as baby is safe.
Consult a doctor if crying doesn’t improve after 4 months.
PURPLE crying does not harm baby long-term when properly managed.

Remember, you’ve got this! Stay patient, stay calm, and know that this too shall pass. PURPLE crying is temporary and not indicative of parenting failure. With support, you and baby will get through this challenging phase together.